Preparation For Cutting; Limbing And Pruning - Ryobi RPP720G Operator's Manual

TO STOP THE MOTOR:
n Release the switch trigger.
ADJUSTING TELESCOPIC POLE
See Figure 5.
n Disconnect the pole saw from the power supply.
n Rotate the collar counterclockwise to loosen.
n Push poles towards each other to shorten the pole or
pull away from each other to lengthen the pole.
Note: Extend the pole only to the length required to
reach the limb being cut. Do not extend the handle
above waist height.
n When the desired length is achieved, rotate the collar
clockwise to secure.
Note: Adjust hand placement on the shaft of the pole
saw to keep proper balance. Do not attempt to use
the pole saw at a length which does not allow you to
achieve proper footing and balance at all times.

PREPARATION FOR CUTTING

See Figures 6 - 7.
n Wear non-slip gloves for maximum grip and
protection.
n Maintain a proper grip on the unit whenever the motor
is running. Use your right hand to firmly grip the rear
handle while your left hand has a firm grip on the pole
shaft.
n Hold unit firmly with both hands. Always keep your
left hand on the pole shaft and your right hand on the
rear handle, so your body is to the left of the chain
line. Never use a left-handed (cross-handed) grip, or
any stance that places your body or arm across the
chain line.
n Never stand directly under the limb you are cutting.
n Be certain the collars are fully tightened before
operating equipment; check them periodically for
tightness during use to avoid serious injury.
BASIC CUTTING PROCEDURE
See Figures 6 - 7.
Follow the steps below to prevent damage to tree or
shrub bark. Do not use a back-and-forth sawing motion.
n Make a shallow first cut (1/4 of limb diameter) on the
underside of the limb close to the main limb or trunk.
n Make a second cut from the top side of the limb outboard
from the first cut. Continue the cut through the limb
until the limb separates from the tree. Be prepared to
balance the weight of the tool when the limb falls.
n Make a final cut close to trunk.
Note: For second and final cuts (from top of limb or
branch), hold front cutting guide against the limb being
cut. This will help steady the limb and make it easier to
cut. Allow chain to cut for you; exert only light downward
ENGLISH
pressure. If you force the cut, damage to the bar, chain,
or motor can result.
n Release the trigger as soon as the cut is completed.
Failure to follow proper cutting procedures will result
in the bar and chain binding and becoming pinched or
trapped in the limb. If this should happen:
n Stop the motor and disconnect from power supply.
■ If the limb can be reached from the ground, lift the
limb while holding the saw. This should release the
"pinch" and free the saw.
n If the saw is still trapped, call a professional for
assistance.

LIMBING AND PRUNING

See Figures 8 - 9.
This unit is designed for trimming small branches and
limbs up to 15cm in diameter. For best results, observe
the following precautions.
n Plan the cut carefully. Be aware of the direction in which
the branch will fall.
n Branches may fall in unexpected directions. Do not
stand directly under the branch being cut.
n The most typical cutting application is to position the
unit at an angle of 60° or less, depending on the specific
situation, as shown in Figure 8 and 9. As the angle of
the pole saw shaft to ground increases, the difficulty of
making the first cut (from the underside of limb)
increases.
n Remove long branches in several stages.
n Cut lower branches first to allow the top branches
more room to fall.
n Work slowly, keeping both hands on the saw with a
firm grip. Maintain secure footing and balance.
n Keep the tree between you and the chain while
limbing. Cut from side of tree opposite branch you are
cutting.
n Do not cut from a ladder; this is extremely dangerous.
Leave this operation for professionals.
n Do not make the flush cut next to the main limb
or trunk until you have cut off the limb further out
to reduce the weight. Following proper cutting
procedures will prevent stripping the bark from the
main member.
n Do not use the pole saw for felling or bucking.
n To prevent electrocution, do not operate within 15m of
overhead electrical lines.
n Keep bystanders at least 15m away.